Human-Specific Gene ARHGAP11B Promotes Basal Progenitor Amplification and Neocortex Expansion Scientists analyzed the transcriptomes of distinct progenitor subpopulations isolated by a cell polarity-based approach from developing mouse and human neocortex. Expression of ARHGAP11B in embryonic mouse neocortex promotes basal progenitor generation and self-renewal, and can increase cortical plate area and induce gyrification. [Science] Abstract | Press Release Subtype-Specific Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells following Axotomy: Effects of Osteopontin and mTOR Signaling In mammals, few retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survive following axotomy, and even fewer regenerate axons. This could reflect differential extrinsic influences or the existence of subpopulations that vary in their responses to injury. Researchers tested these alternatives by comparing responses of molecularly distinct subsets of mouse RGCs to axotomy. [Neuron] Abstract TLR9 Signaling in Microglia Attenuates Seizure-Induced Aberrant Neurogenesis in the Adult Hippocampus Researchers found that microglia sense self-DNA from degenerating neurons following seizure, and secrete ​tumor necrosis factor-α, resulting in attenuation of aberrant neurogenesis. [Nat Commun] Full Article The Autism-Associated Chromatin Modifier ​CHD8 Regulates other Autism Risk Genes during Human Neurodevelopment Scientists identified genes targeted by ​CHD8, a chromodomain helicase strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in human midfetal brain, human neural stem cells (hNSCs) and embryonic mouse cortex. ​CHD8 knockdown in hNSCs results in dysregulation of ASD risk genes directly targeted by ​CHD8. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release The Lysine Acetyltransferase Activator Brpf1 Governs Dentate Gyrus Development through Neural Stem Cells and Progenitors Investigators showed that forebrain-specific inactivation of the mouse Brpf1 gene causes hypoplasia in the dentate gyrus, including underdevelopment of the suprapyramidal blade and complete loss of the infrapyramidal blade. They traced the developmental origin to compromised Sox2+ neural stem cells and Tbr2+ intermediate neuronal progenitors. [PLoS Genet] Full Article | Press Release Ascl1 Coordinately Regulates Gene Expression and the Chromatin Landscape during Neurogenesis Scientists used a cellular model of neurogenesis to investigate how Ascl1 interacts with the chromatin landscape to regulate gene expression when promoting neuronal differentiation. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Regulation of Autocrine Signaling in Subsets of Sympathetic Neurons Has Regional Effects on Tissue Innervation Researchers report that an autocrine signaling loop in developing mouse sympathetic neurons involving CD40L and CD40 selectively enhances nerve growth factor-promoted axon growth and branching, but not survival, via CD40L reverse signaling. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Continuous Non-Cell Autonomous Reprogramming to Generate Retinal Ganglion Cells for Glaucomatous Neuropathy Scientists have derived retinal ganglion cells from the easily accessible adult limbal cells, re-programmed to pluripotency by a non nucleic acid approach, thus circumventing the risk of insertional mutagenesis. [Stem Cells] Abstract Multipotent Caudal Neural Progenitors Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells that Give Rise to Lineages of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System Scientists showed that dual inhibition of the GSK3β and activin/nodal pathways by small molecules differentiate human pluripotent stem cells directly into a preneuroepithelial progenitor population they named ‘caudal progenitor cells’. [Stem Cells] Abstract N-Butylidenephthalide Attenuates Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Cytopathy in Down Syndrome Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons To recapitulate the Alzheimer’s disease cell model, Down syndrome induced pluripotent stem cells, reprogrammed from mesenchymal stem cells in amniotic fluid, were directed toward a neuronal lineage. Neuroepithelial precursor cells with high purity and forebrain characteristics were robustly generated on day 10 of differentiation. [Sci Rep] Full Article The Role of Drosophila TNF Eiger in Developmental and Damage-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis Scientists showed that Eiger, specifically expressed in embryonic neurons and glia, is not involved in developmental neuronal apoptosis or in apoptotic cell clearance. Instead, they provide evidence that Eiger is required for damage-induced apoptosis in the embryonic CNS through regulation of the pro-apoptotic gene hid independently of the JNK pathway. [FEBS Lett] Abstract |